We’ve all been there. It’s late, you’re knackered, fridge is empty (unless half a lemon and an out-of-date yoghurt count), and there’s no way you’re cooking. You grab your phone, open your delivery app, and straight away search for an Indian takeaway near me. And there it is, your go-to Indian restaurant, calling your name.
You keep scrolling, but let’s be honest, you end up ordering the same curry, the same naan, and the same rice. Job done, right?
Well… maybe not.
There’s nothing wrong with your regular order. But if you’re going to go all in on a takeaway, especially from one of the best Indian restaurants London has knocking about, why not go the extra mile and make it proper special?
So before you hit “place order,” let’s talk about the five things you really should be adding to your Indian takeaway. These little extras don’t cost much, but trust me, they make a world of difference.
1. A Starter – Because Waiting Hungry is Painful
Nothing tests your patience more than waiting 45 minutes for your food to show up when you're starving. You keep refreshing the app, watching that driver icon barely move, and regretting not ordering a little something to nibble on.
A couple of samosas or some onion bhajis can save your evening. They’re not just tasty, they’re practical. You’ve got something to dig into the second that delivery bag lands in your hands. Plus, they’re great for sharing (or pretending to share and then scoffing both).
Even better if you’re with mates or your partner. Whack a couple of starters in the mix and suddenly your regular Friday night curry becomes an actual event.
2. Don’t Skip the Chutneys, Seriously
This is the part that many people forget. The chutneys. They’re the secret sauce. Literally.
That green mint yoghurt one? The sweet mango one? The spicy red one that makes your nose run, but you still keep eating it? They’re the stuff that ties the whole meal together. Especially when you're eating dry stuff like tandoori chicken or kebabs, without a dip, it’s just not the same.
Next time you're ordering from your local takeaway near me, check if they do a chutney tray or even let you add extra sides. It might be like £1.50 or something, totally worth it. Those little pots are the difference between a decent meal and an absolute belter.
3. A Side Dish That Gives You a Breather
Here’s a rookie mistake: ordering two heavy curries and wondering why you need to lie down halfway through eating. Don’t do that to yourself. You need balance.
Throw in something like tarka daal (that lentil one with the garlic), saag aloo (spinach and potato), or even chana masala. These kinds of dishes aren’t as rich or spicy, but they’re perfect for mixing things up on the plate.
When you're scraping the last of your curry sauce with a piece of naan, a spoonful of daal or potato helps carry the flavour without it being too full-on. Plus, it's also decent for leftovers. Heat it up the next day with a bit of rice and you’re sorted.
4. Something to Sip That Isn’t Just Tap Water
This one’s overlooked. You’ve just smashed a vindaloo. Your tongue is on fire. You reach for… what, a warm glass of water? Nah. Don’t do that to yourself.
Order a proper drink. Go for a mango lassi if you're feeling traditional; it's sweet, cold, creamy, and perfectly calms down the spice. Or grab a Rubicon (mango, guava, lychee, whatever your vibe is). Some places even do rose milk or masala chai if you're lucky.
You might not think of drinks as part of your order, but when you’ve got something to sip between mouthfuls, it just makes the whole experience smoother. Especially when you’re sharing food and passing dishes around, it feels more complete.
And look, if you’re searching for takeout near me at 11 pm and everything else is shut, a decent drink in a bag is way better than whatever’s lurking at the back of your fridge.
5. Don’t Forget Dessert – Even If You Save It for Later
Right, here’s the truth: most people think they won’t fancy dessert after a curry. But give it an hour. You’ll be lying there, full but still poking around for something sweet. That’s when gulab jamun comes in clutch.
Little doughy balls soaked in syrup. Sticky, soft, warming. You don’t need loads, just one or two. Or go for a rasmalai or a slice of gajar halwa if you’re feeling posh.
You don’t even have to eat it straight away. Stick it in the fridge. Let it chill. And when the curry coma wears off, you’ve got dessert waiting for you. Way better than dry biscuits or your flatmate’s emergency Kit Kat.
It’s Not Just a Takeaway – It’s Your Night Off
Look, ordering from an Indian takeaway near me isn’t just about feeding yourself. It’s your treat. Your break from the madness of work, school runs, life admin, whatever chaos you’re dealing with.
So why rush it? Take two more minutes to add those extras, starters, sides, chutneys, drinks, and dessert. You’ll thank yourself later.
Whether you’re ordering from your usual spot down the road or one of the best Indian restaurants London has tucked away in a back alley, your meal deserves the full works. And so do you.
Make the most of it. Don’t just eat. Feast.
FAQ
1. Why should I bother with starters if I’m already ordering a full meal?
Because you’ll be starving while you wait and need something to nibble on, plus, they add a bit of variety and make your meal feel like a proper treat.
2. What drinks go best with spicy Indian food?
Mango lassi, Rubicon, coconut water or anything sweet and cold, really. They help balance the spice and refresh your mouth.
3. Is dessert after curry really worth it?
Yes. You might not want it right away, but you will later. Indian desserts hit the spot when you’re craving something sugary after all that spice.
